In the spring of 1998 a group of local artists, with a deep breath and a leap of faith, decided that art education, based in Dawson City, was an idea whose time had come.

They formed the Dawson City Arts Society (DCAS), a non-profit organization, with a mandate to create an environment for advancement of the arts.

A show in the Odd Gallery

To fulfill their mandate, DCAS' founding Directors envisioned a school called the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC).

KIAC is to be a campus-based centre offering a broad range of high quality Community, Continuing Education and Professional Development programs.

Students at work

In the autumn of 1998, DCAS obtained the historic Odd Fellows Hall in Dawson City.

With generous assistance from Governments, NGOs and the private sector (and countless hours of enthusiastic volunteer participation) major renovations were undertaken and the neglected structure was successfully resurrected.

In December 1999, KIAC proudly commenced operations.

The whole community celebrated our milestone accomplishment by welcoming the new millennium in our turn-of-the-century styled ballroom, at the first annual New Year's Eve "Odd Ball". It was "40 below" outside!

In March 2000 Canada's Governor General attended the inaugural show at our Odd Gallery opening. In April 2000, we launched our 1st annual International Short Film Festival.

KIAC has 5 full time staff, a national network of instructors and a talented local volunteer base. In its first year KIAC conducted more than 30 visual, performing and literary arts courses and workshops for more than 300 students and presented more than 20 special events to a regional audience.

Detail of chandelier made at "found object" blacksmithing workshop

Why would an aspiring artist (like you) come to a place like this?

Klondike Gold Rush buildings in "downtown" Dawson

Canada's Yukon Territory has perhaps the highest per-capita population of artists, at every level in every discipline, in the country. Many came for two weeks - twenty years ago.

Set against a dramatic backdrop of northern wilderness with a rich First Nation tradition, Dawson City is built on a foundation of cultural diversity and grand ideas.

Why does the annual Dawson City Music Festival (24 years young in 2001) have an international reputation as a fantastic experience in an unforgettable place?

Why is it often said by writers-in-residence completing their Pierre Berton House residency program: "I won't leave unless I can come back"?

Why do the simple and timeless truths told by Robert Service and Jack London still resonate worldwide in this day and age?

Aurora Borealis
"Sra Yukà" in Hän language

There is something special about this land.
It can change you forever.